After Raf Simons’ goodbye at Jil Sander yesterday, a wave of emotion came over the audience. Standing ovation, wet eyes, emotional tweets.

But we’re not losing Raf Simons (everybody says he’s going to Dior). Nor Jil Sander, on the contrary, as Jil Sander is returning to Jil Sander.

I think that it’s a sense of impermanence that we can feel in fashion that made us so emotional yesterday.
Why get attached to a brand if the designer changes so often ? Why follow the work of a designer when, just as he’s mastering the codes of one fashion house, he then has to dive into the history of another?

Sometimes, like Ghesquière at Balenciaga, I’d like for them to stay with one house. And to continue to write the story of their creativity with serenity.

I could not agree with you more. So well said Garance. I loved Raf at Jil Sander. As exciting as it is to have Jil Sander herself back at the helm of her brand, Raf mastered the history of the brand AND elevated it. He added femininity and brilliant color which weren’t a part of the original brand.

Very true. It is always sad when a great designer leaves the brand they have flourished in, especially after such a great collection as thos last one. I guess we can only hope that Raf manages to retain some of that same style in his next job (Dior?!).

I’m sure that he will and In a few years we will be saying ‘how could we ever have imagined anyone else in this job?! It’s even better than when he was at Sander!

I completely agree Garance….its very off putting to think of how these design houses are bringing in designers to represent their house & to reach their customers and after putting so much time and love – in Decarnin & Galliano’s case a bit of sanity – into the many facets/branches of one brand and then are callously tossed aside on what seems like a whim due to low sales or “creative conflict.” Its sad but tis the reality of the fashion, especially within the past year.

It’s really interesting, because it reminds me a lot of sports. I never understood how people could feel allegiance to a football or basketball team when the players were just switched around like trading cards… it just seems so strange. But after reading this entry, I realize that we are the same way in fashion too. Designers change labels, brands evolve – there is a constant process of change, often for money, sometimes for other reasons, and yet we still build up a love for these labels. It’s very interesting to think about.

I’m so sad to see Raf Simons go, but I will follow him wherever he goes! I also look forward to seeing the direction Jil Sander takes her label in.

The whole Jil Sander issue will keep us anxious for some other month to come..
…. until we will see what will happen:

1. to Raf Simons, I think with the last collections he has shown how suitable he could be for maison Dior..if that is his next job. But if it is Christian Dior he is going, will Kris van Assche stay at Dior Homme since Raf is also a great men’s designer?

2. with the new Jil Sander collection designed by Heidemarie Jiline Sander, how will the 68 old designer stand up to the ultramodern view Raf Simons have given to her brand. Will she continue this path or go back to her roots?

I like everything in these photos.But the last ensemble I love!!!
The long skirt and the color combination.
The Jil Sander style really suits Raf Simons.Let us see what
the future holds for this chic and ultramodern designer.
Bisous